Article by
Luova Labs

Published on
March 2, 2018

The Chinese Embassy is assisting the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) in stepping up its efforts to combat crime.

On Wednesday at Police Headquarters on Roebuck Street, The City, Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Yan Xiusheng presented Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith with two segways, valued at $20,000 each.

“I hope that these two machines, as a vivid demonstration of China-Barbados friendship, will help enhance the swift response of the police, and the RBPF officers will soon ride on them to patrol every corner of the island,” the ambassador said, while pointing out that Beijing and Bridgetown have a strong history of cooperation in the area of law enforcement and security.

The Chinese envoy highlighted the China-Barbados mutual assistance treaties on criminal matters and extradition. He also noted that several high-ranking Barbadian police officers had attended training seminars in Beijing, adding that his country’s anti-corruption and international fugitive and assets recovery efforts have always been greatly supported by Bridgetown.

“I hope that the Barbadian police force will continue to support and facilitate Chinese nationals’ stay, employment and living here in Barbados and ensure the safety of the lives and property of local Chinese companies and community,” the ambassador added.

Commissioner Griffith thanked the Chinese Embassy for the donation, saying the segways would help the Force in its continued efforts to look after the safety of both locals and visitors alike.

“It is impactful, what an officer can do on a segway. To ask him to do [the same] on his feet is demanding a lot. He can’t travel as quickly and his endurance won’t be the same, so it adds value to that officer,” the police chief said.